The leadership of the Association of Spouses of Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria (ASPDN) has reiterated its total commitment and continued support to improving the living conditions of Spouses With Disabilities (SWDs) and entire persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
The group made the disclosure Monday in a statement shared on social media, seen by the Inclusive News Network.
In the well-articulated statement the ASPDN President Mr. Akorede Adebowale disclosed that “ASPDN is dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families.
“Our mission is underpinned by several key aims and objectives, each designed to address specific needs and challenges faced by our community.”
Adebowale highlighted the important roles played by the spouses of PWDs in promoting social inclusion, justice, accessibility, peace of mind, intellectual and mental well-being. He observed that the “spouses of persons with disabilities play a crucial role in providing support, care, and understanding to their partners”
According to him, “some of the key roles played by the ASPDN members and challenges they may face include the challenging of care giving, advocacy challenge, emotional support challenge, challenge of dealing with financial strain, social isolation challenge, among others.
“Spouses often take on the role of primary caregiver, assisting with daily tasks, managing medical needs, and providing emotional support to their partners”
Adebowale revealed that some spouses may also need to advocate for their partner’s needs within healthcare systems, educational institutions, and workplaces to ensure they receive appropriate support and accommodations.
Adebowale further stressed the need for exerting high level emotional control and self-restrain as a veritable instrument for providing valuable emotional support to the SWDs.
He noted “being the spouse of a person with a disability can be emotionally taxing. They may experience feelings of guilt, grief, stress, and burnout while managing their own emotions and supporting their partner”
On the persistent challenge posed by the financial strain, the ASPDN president said “caring for a person with a disability can be very costly, whether it be due to medical expenses, assistive devices, or home modifications”
“spouses may face financial challenges as they navigate these expenses.
“Similarly, the challenges poised by the social isolation is not always tenable. Spouses may experience social isolation as they juggle caregiving responsibilities, work, and other essential commitments.
“For this, spouses may feel disconnected from friends and family members who may not understand their unique challenges” he added.
Mr.Adebowale observed, “all of these aforementioned factors can impact the mental health of spouses of persons with disabilities. It’s essential for spouses to prioritize self-care, seek support from friends, family, or support groups, and consider therapy to manage stress, anxiety, and depression.
“Spouses may also open communication with their partners about their needs and feelings can also help strengthen their relationships and support their mental well-being.” He said